The D.A. degree in English combines advanced
study in literary, cultural, and composition studies with
preparation for teaching. It offers courses and research
opportunities with outstanding faculty in
traditional and emerging fields of literature, cultural studies,
critical theory, writing, and composition studies. It also
emphasizes the theory and practice of pedagogy, especially writing
pedagogy. The program is designed for both full-time graduate
students and professional educators, administrators, and writers
who want to pursue a doctoral degree part-time. While most
recent graduates of the D.A. program are faculty at colleges and
universities, other graduates have positions in publishing,
editing, public relations, and administration in secondary and
higher education.
Elements of the St. John’s DA
Degree
·
48 credits of graduate coursework.
·
3 required courses: Introduction to the Profession
(E. 110),
Modern Critical Theories (E. 100), Teaching Practicum
(E. 105)
·
Oral comprehensive
exams, based on 3 reading lists prepared
with a 3-member faculty committee
·
Translation exam in one foreign language
·
Dissertation Prospectus
·
Two semesters of Dissertation Writing
Seminar
·
Dissertation and Oral Defense of the
Dissertation
For recent course offerings, department
events, and other information, please see our English department blog.
Support and
Fellowships
The English department provides fellowship
support on a competitive basis to our doctoral students. English
doctoral students are also encouraged to apply for support
elsewhere within St. John’s University, particularly to the
Institute for Writing Studies. Advanced students who have completed
their coursework often teach courses in the English department
under the mentorship and supervision of our faculty.
History of the DA
Degree
The English D.A. degree emerged in the 1960s
and 1970s as an alternative to the Ph.D. in order to meet the
growing need for faculty at four-year and two-year colleges.
The D.A. program at St. John’s has since evolved into a doctoral
program that emphasizes the interrelatedness of pedagogy, theory,
and literary and cultural studies. The opportunities for
advanced research are comparable to those of English Ph.D.
programs, but the English D.A. program is distinguished by its
integration of research and writing with pedagogical
practice. With the 2006 opening of the Institute for Writing
Studies, the D.A. program features an
exceptional new environment for professional training and
development in writing instruction.
Contact Information:
Dr. Steve Mentz
Director of Graduate Studies
English Department
718 990-6387
mentzs@stjohns.edu
Graduate Admission Information
Robert Medrano, Director
Office of Graduate Admission
(718) 990-2790
medranor@stjohns.edu
